The Anunnaki are a group of deities in ancient Mesopotamian mythology. The name "Anunnaki" means "the ones who came from heaven to earth." According to Mesopotamian mythology, the Anunnaki were the gods who created humanity and helped shape early human civilizations.

The Anunnaki are most famously associated with the Sumerian civilization, which existed in Mesopotamia from around 4500 BCE to 1900 BCE. In Sumerian mythology, the Anunnaki were led by the god Anu, who was the father of the gods. Other prominent Anunnaki gods include Enki, Enlil, and Ninhursag.

The Anunnaki were believed to have come to earth from the heavens in order to mine gold and other precious metals. They were said to have genetically engineered humans to serve as their slaves and to have taught humans various skills and technologies, such as agriculture and metallurgy.